Sermons Archive | Pine Lake Covenant Church
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Hurt by Gender Wars
August 13, 2017 19:00 - 19.1 MB1 Corinthians 11:2-16 The Bible is clear when the gender war first began – at the moment of the rebellion of the first man and woman against God. This drama has been played out in many different cultures in many different ways; witness the last 60 years in America. Here are some questions: What was going on in Corinth? What hurt has the church caused in the gender wars? What should the church do now? The post Hurt by Gender Wars appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Hurt by Freedom – Part II
August 06, 2017 19:00 - 12.4 MB1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Last week, Pastor Mark shared about how freedom can hurt people within the church when used inconsiderately. This week we continue our study in 1 Corinthians by looking at the use of freedom from a different angle and asking the question, “can freedom be used in a positive way?” Paul shows us the answer. Come on Sunday to discover his response as we dive into Freedom – Part II. The post Hurt by Freedom – Part II appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Hurt by Freedom
July 30, 2017 19:00 - 10.7 MB1 Corinthians 8:1-13 If you are an American, freedom is a wonderful word. We also cherish American “know how.” Both freedom and knowledge are part of our cherished national vocabulary. The problem with using your freedom or knowledge in the wrong way is that you can destroy other people. Freedom or knowledge without love are hurtful. We have all been hurt by the exercise of freedom and knowledge – and we have all hurt others. Paul wants to show us […] The post Hurt by Freedom appeared first...
Hurt by Broken Sexuality
July 23, 2017 19:00 - 14.9 MB1 Corinthians 6:12-20 Sexuality affects us all. No one has a perfect grasp on a pure sexuality, we are all in need of healing and wholeness. The church in Corinth was experiencing hurt within the church through broken sexuality. Paul challenges the believers that our bodies are not separate from our souls and what we do within the body effects our souls. Paul encourages that because of Christ, our sexuality is made whole by him and we are to live […] The post Hurt by Broken Sexuality appear...
Hurt by Hypocrisy
July 16, 2017 19:00 - 13.7 MB1 Corinthians 5:1-13 Reading this passage is hard for us. Paul has condemned the Corinthians for their judgmentalism, but now he seems to bring harsh judgment himself – what gives? Where is the grace of Christ crucified in this passage? How can we apply this to our lives today? The post Hurt by Hypocrisy appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Hurt by Unhealthy Leadership
July 09, 2017 19:00 - 14.4 MB1 Corinthians 3:1-17 Some say that the world can be divided into two groups: “leaders” and “followers”. Whether or not that is true, the fact remains that we are all undeniably affected by leadership on some level. The 1st century church in Corinth also experienced this reality. This week we will be continuing our study in 1 Corinthians and looking at the ways “Unhealthy Leadership” can exist in and throughout the church. We will discover that Paul’s view of Christ […] The post Hurt by Unhe...
Hurt by Judgmentalism
July 02, 2017 19:00 - 8.85 MB1 Corinthians 4:1-7 As the saying goes, we are all different. Differences can be great, but they can also lead us into places of looking down on those we are different from. Paul, especially in his letters to the Corinthians, talks a lot about boasting about differences. To make his point he asks a penetrating question that he dares you to answer, “What do you have that you did not receive?” Try to answer it. The post Hurt by Judgmentalism appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Hurt by Spiritual Immaturity
June 25, 2017 19:00 - 10.7 MB1 Corinthians 2:6-16 Humans are always in the process of becoming more mature – at least that is what we hope. Christians, to be more specific, are being made more like Christ as they grow – that too is what we hope. But we have all seen how spirituality, when mixed with immaturity, can do great harm. Instead of faith bringing health and healing to people, it brings hurtful words and actions, all done under the cover of a spiritual […] The post Hurt by Spiritual Immaturity appeared first on...
Hurt by Spiritual Arrogance
June 18, 2017 19:00 - 11.5 MB1 Corinthians 1:18-31 There are certain things in this world that don’t mix well. Spirituality and pride are one of them. This is the over-arching sin of the Corinthian church of 55 AD. One of the things we will see over and over again in this 12-week series is how much hurt is caused when spiritual people get arrogant. The post Hurt by Spiritual Arrogance appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Lift Your Eyes
June 11, 2017 19:00 - 11.7 MBEphesians 3:14-21 Life is hard on vision. Vision leaks. It can get fuzzy in the middle of life’s challenges. To stay focused on the main things, God’s greatest purposes for us in Christ, renews our faith. In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he allows us to see clearly God’s main purposes for his church, not only to know, but to experience. He asks us to life our eyes to heights we don’t normally see in order to get clarity for […] The post Lift Your Eyes appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant ...
Empowered Witnesses
June 04, 2017 19:00 - 5.95 MBActs 2:1-15 This Sunday we celebrate and remember the work God has done in and through our Confirmation students. They have been on a yearlong discipleship journey through the scriptures and through the history of the Church. It also happens to be Pentecost Sunday, the beginning of the church and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. As we look to what God did in Acts 2 we will look at what God is still doing in the lives of our […] The post Empowered Witnesses appeared first on Pine Lake Cov...
Keeping Our Vision Clear
May 28, 2017 19:00 - 10.2 MBHebrews 11:1-2 and Hebrews 12:1-3 Our physical eyesight provides conviction of visible things. But faith is the organ that enables us to see things in the spiritual realm and things that are yet to be. We look back at heroes of the faith to know how to live in this way of faith. That backward look strengthens our forward vision, with our eyes fixed on Jesus. That’s the way to accelerate the vision. The post Keeping Our Vision Clear appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
The Ripple Effect of Grace
May 21, 2017 19:00 - 13.1 MB2 Corinthians 9:6-13 Karma is the eastern belief that if you do good, you will be rewarded with good. The Bible concurs, to a point. We reap what we sew. However, the Bible also turns this belief upside down. The best news ever is that we don’t get what we deserve. It is out of this truth that generous sewing flows, causing Paul to declare, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” The post The Ripple Effect of Grace appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
God Gives First
May 14, 2017 19:00 - 10.6 MB2 Corinthians 8:1-15 We can’t talk about generosity without first talking about God as the primary giver. It is in his nature to give and to do so joyfully. He sets in motion a flow of generosity in people. It is like a chain reaction that produces thanksgiving, praise, and joy in people. Another way to say it is that there simply is no giving without God giving first. The post God Gives First appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Treasure Hunting Together
May 07, 2017 19:00 - 8.14 MBMatthew 6:19-24 Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life (everything you do flows from it).” We must guard our hearts. Jesus says what we treasure there is what we become in our hearts. It becomes our life and legacy, the thing our children will say about us. The great Winnie the Pooh agrees, “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” The post Treasure Hunting Together appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Show and Tell
April 30, 2017 19:00 - 11.3 MBMatthew 6:1-4, Acts 4:32-5:2 One thing about Jesus, he sure talked about money a lot. It was his 2nd most popular topic, exceeded only by the Kingdom of God. As we gather each week to learn from him, we are confronted time and again by his words regarding money – if we don’t, then we are avoiding something. Over the next few weeks, we prepare our hearts for our Commitment Sunday by listening to him. The post Show and Tell appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Jesus’ Death
April 09, 2017 19:00 - 12.8 MBMark 15:33-47 The idea of a good catastrophe is known to all. Something bad happens that turns out to be something very good. Trauma can open new horizons of grace. Every story has this ironic twist. Think about your own story and you will see it. Jesus’ death is the ultimate good catastrophe. We think we have reached the climax, but that is saved for Easter! The post Jesus’ Death appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Mocking Jesus
April 02, 2017 19:00 - 11.4 MBMark 15:16-32 How do you handle it when someone makes fun of you for your faith? You may have experienced times of ridicule or dismissal because of your Christian stance. It’s never pleasant, and yet it is a mark of identity with the God who suffers for us and with us. As Jesus moves closer and closer to the cross, the outright mocking and insults increase. We witness again the power of His love and faithfulness. He remained steadfast, enduring […] The post Mocking Jesus appeared first on P...
Is Jesus Political?
March 26, 2017 19:00 - 10.8 MBMark 15:1-15 Is Jesus political? He stands now before Rome, the strongest and longest political power in history, ruling for 1,000 years over most of the known world. Rome, in the person of its governor, seems puzzled, troubled, and amazed by him. He is not political in the way Rome is but ultimately he is super-political. Let’s let Jesus speak to our broken politics with hope. The post Is Jesus Political? appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Who is on Trial?
March 19, 2017 19:00 - 11.5 MBMark 14:53-65 Each of us, in everyday life, finds ourselves in the role of defendant or prosecuting attorney. Each day we are either on trial for something or blaming someone else for something. Think of your work or home life. Jesus, the ultimate judge, finds himself on trial, he is the accused – what irony! But who is really on trial? The post Who is on Trial? appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
The Taste of Death
March 12, 2017 19:00 - 7.88 MBMark 14:32-42 Have you ever had a sleepless night, tossing and turning over the fears of what the next day might bring? Jesus experiences something more intense than we ever will. The one who has been so in control is overwhelmed with anxiety. What a picture the Bible gives us of the Savior who himself feels the urge to be saved. The post The Taste of Death appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
The Joy of Generosity
March 05, 2017 20:00 - 16.7 MB2 Corinthians 8-9 As we discerned our 2020 Vision two years ago we began by grounding ourselves in God’s Word. As we enter into the resourcing of that vision, we do the same, by getting into his Word. As we do this, we are confronted by the truth that what he really cares about is our hearts. This week, we will have a special guest, Marc Reike, Senior Consultant for The Enrichment Group, who will help us see what God’s […] The post The Joy of Generosity appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant ...
The Richest Food and Drink Ever
February 26, 2017 20:00 - 12.2 MBMark 14:22-31 We all know that anything we do regularly can become routine. There may be a lot of meaning in doing something but it gets missed. Staying alert to deeper meaning is part of reading and understanding the Bible. The truth is, the Last Supper is so rich with meaning we will never be able to grasp the whole of it. But we can still taste it and be renewed. The post The Richest Food and Drink Ever appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
The Fragrance of Life and Death
February 19, 2017 20:00 - 13.2 MBMark 14:1-11 Now this is a strange event. We all know people who are super-intuitive. Some have speculated that intuition and smell are linked…maybe. A woman comes to Jesus, pouring very expensive perfume on his head “to prepare him for burial.” No one else is expecting his death, though there are those who are plotting to kill him. Is this just an extravagant waste? What does it mean? What does it mean for us? The post The Fragrance of Life and Death appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant C...
Jesus Puzzles
February 12, 2017 20:00 - 12 MBMark 12:35-44 After four attempts by Jesus’ enemies (whom he loves) to trap him, Jesus now initiates a question to them to which they have no answer. Dallas Willard says that “Jesus was the smartest man who ever lived.” “Duh,” we say, but we don’t always pay attention. He uses his intellect to teach what is true, and what is true is not easily discerned by us. In fact, it is sometimes exactly the reverse of what we think. The post Jesus Puzzles appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Jesus on the Main Thing
February 05, 2017 20:00 - 7.18 MBMark 12:28-34 Social commentators from all sides agree that we are at a new place in human history where the individual person is being asked to define what is right and wrong without reference to a larger truth framework. We need help and Jesus gives it. He cuts through the clutter and fog to tell us what morality is all about, and even more, what life is all about. The post Jesus on the Main Thing appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Jesus on the Afterlife
January 29, 2017 20:00 - 11.4 MBMark 12:18-27 What happens after we die is a blur to us. As Jesus is challenged to give his views, we not only learn about the afterlife but we learn how to address issues of ultimate concern. We come away with a view of the afterlife that is beyond what we could ever imagine. The post Jesus on the Afterlife appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Jesus and Politics
January 22, 2017 20:00 - 12.5 MBMark 12:13-17 Politics is increasingly difficult to discuss without risk of getting into some kind of blow-up argument. Many just avoid the topic. Jesus transcends the simplistic human categories of conservative and liberal. His kingdom is on a whole other level, and because of this, he is often misunderstood. Follow Jesus and chances are you will be misunderstood also. The post Jesus and Politics appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Question Authority
January 15, 2017 20:00 - 13.1 MBMark 11:27-12:2 In a world like ours, it is appropriate to question the authority of other people. “Show me your credentials” may be needed at times, but there are dark under-currents of our hearts that are beneath questioning someone’s authority. “Do you have the right to tell me what to do?” and “who do you think you are, anyway?” are just a few of these. Again we see that Jesus is a threat to all other sources of authority, including […] The post Question Authority appeared first on Pine...
The Paradoxical King
January 08, 2017 20:00 - 11.7 MBMark 11:1-18 Paradox and irony play a huge role in the Bible. Jesus is called both “lion” and “lamb.” Riding on a donkey as a king is puzzling to us. But there is plenty of paradox and irony in our own hearts, if we just look closely. For us, it often appears as hypocrisy – “how can you call yourself a Christian when you _____?” For Jesus, it is an expression of his love. The post The Paradoxical King appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
New Sight for a New Year
January 01, 2017 20:00 - 10.5 MBMark 10:46-52 What is God inviting you to focus on in the New Year? Do you long to really “see” what Jesus’ purpose is for your life? When blind Bartimaeus encounters Jesus along the road to Jerusalem, he is desperate for new sight. Once his eyes are opened, he follows Jesus in a new direction. When we invite Jesus to open your eyes fully, He just may change the direction of your life. Are you ready for the adventure? The post New Sight for a New Year appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant C...
Be Careful What You Wish For
December 18, 2016 20:00 - 11.1 MBMark 10:32-45 What do you want for Christmas? Think big – what do you really want? Now double it. Think deep – what would happen to your soul if you got it? What would be the long term effect? If Jesus were to ask you, “What do you want me to do for you,” (Mark 10:36) what would you say to him? The disciples are faced with that question. Once again they don’t get it. What makes us think we […] The post Be Careful What You Wish For appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
What Did He Just Say?
December 11, 2016 20:00 - 6.89 MBMark 10:17-31 One of the things we notice about Jesus is how baffled those around him are by what he says. People expect him to say something affirming and he challenges them. As they are digesting that surprise, he says something else that blows them away. Part of following Jesus then and now is to let him speak words that can have a life-altering effect. The post What Did He Just Say? appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Get Salt
December 04, 2016 20:00 - 7.58 MBMark 9:38-50 In Mark chapters 9-10, Jesus is in teaching mode with his disciples – think “us.” Jesus’ words cut into us like a sharp knife, not to hurt us, but to show us where we are in need of healing. It’s pretty simple: when we live for ourselves, we hurt ourselves, and others. When we get re-salted in Jesus and his gospel, our hearts are renewed and we have life. The post Get Salt appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Greatness Redefined
November 27, 2016 20:00 - 11.3 MBMark 9:30-37 How do you define greatness? The first disciples had some misconceptions about rank and status in God’s kingdom. Our own cultural mindset elevates certain roles and accomplishments as signs of greatness. We celebrate those who win first place; we long for the highest position or rank. Jesus helps his disciples, and us, reimagine greatness by pointing to some unlikely people. The way of Jesus turns our ambition for greatness upside down. The post Greatness Redefined appeared fir...
Help My Unbelief
November 20, 2016 20:00 - 11.2 MBMark 9:14-32 Faith is actively putting your trust in God. Faith is, the Bible says, “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:3). Can God work apart from our faith? According to Jesus, all things are possible with God. His desire is for us to live by faith, even if it is the honest prayer, “Lord, help my unbelief.” The post Help My Unbelief appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
A Mountain Top Experience
November 13, 2016 20:00 - 10.2 MBMark 9:2-13 How can something good come out of something so bad? It’s a faith question. Mountain top experiences are usually “good” and “glorious.” This one is too, but with a hint of irony that says to the disciples, and to us, that things aren’t as they seem. Deeper knowing is needed for the journey. The post A Mountain Top Experience appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Last Words to the Exiles
November 06, 2016 20:00 - 7.81 MBThe first task of a leader is to define reality. 1 Peter 5:5-11 now introduces a subject that gives depth perception to the reality Christians are facing in this world: the devil. We might respond with anxiety or disbelief, but that only makes things worse. It comes as a strong warning, but also with an even greater promise. The post Last Words to the Exiles appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Suffering: A Change in Perspective
October 30, 2016 19:00 - 10.3 MB1 Peter 4:12-19 The post Suffering: A Change in Perspective appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Alone Against the Flow
October 23, 2016 19:00 - 12.4 MBDaniel 6:1-18 The post Alone Against the Flow appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Third Way Living
October 16, 2016 19:00 - 11.9 MBDaniel 1:1-21 It seems like, in any sphere of life, (think job, politics, relationships) we all tend toward two extremes: we attack or withdraw, we lash out or wimp out, fight or flight. Psychologists and marriage counselors can confirm this. Jesus demonstrated a third way, which Peter is trying to get at in his letter and which is marvelously demonstrated for us in the life of Daniel in the Old Testament. This is such good truth for us and a huge […] The post Third Way Living appeared firs...
Relevant or Resilient?
October 09, 2016 19:00 - 12 MB1 Peter 2:13-25 When does a Christ-follower stand up and say, “the emperor has no clothes on?” You can’t do it all the time, but you must do it some time. Maybe more importantly, how do you say it – with love or with something else? Telling someone they are naked when they think they are clothed is not easy. It is an over-desire to be relevant that leads us to never take a stand that might cost us something […] The post Relevant or Resilient? appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Chosen for a Purpose
October 02, 2016 19:00 - 9.59 MB1 Peter 2:4-10 We easily succumb to our culture’s obsession on personal identity. We are tempted to focus on personal fulfillment as an end in itself. Why could be wrong with celebrating our uniqueness and “finding” our best selves? As Christians, we go against the flow of self-fulfillment as the goal of life. Peter reminds us who we are (identity,) in part, to show us what we are to do (purpose). You are chosen for a reason! Do you know […] The post Chosen for a Purpose appeared first on...
Be Your True Self
September 25, 2016 19:00 - 11.1 MB1 Peter 2:4-12 It may be a little bit of a stretch, but basically the Bible never says, “be good,” without first telling you who you are. Identity precedes “you ought.” Good parenting advice also. When you know who you are, you know what to do. Self-identifying as strangers and aliens, you would think, wouldn’t be the basis for a strong and positive identity. Get ready to be surprised by God’s Word. The post Be Your True Self appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
The Main Thing Is
September 18, 2016 19:00 - 12.5 MB1 Peter 1:3-12 Life can come at you from all sides. It was as true in the first century as it is today. The key thing is what is in the center of you that allows you to process all the stuff coming at you, including suffering. Your center will determine your response to your environment. This is also the key to standing with firm and gracious character against the flow. The post The Main Thing Is appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Living as Exiles
September 11, 2016 19:00 - 11.5 MB1 Peter 1:1-9 What is your address? Is it really? How long will you live there? I love feeling at home but there are dangers of feeling at home, in this world. The Bible has a long and deep strain of truth that says that in this life, we are on our way to a permanent destination. If so, how do we engage our surrounding culture as we think about work, school, money, politics, and sexuality? How can we have […] The post Living as Exiles appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
A New Song to Sing
September 04, 2016 19:00 - 11.3 MBWorship comes from a place of remembering and a place of hope. We remember all that God has done for us in our lives and we hope for His ultimate return. But there is always room in our lives for more worship. What if Sunday morning was not all there is to worship? What would that look like? What new song is God calling you to sing in Psalm 98? The post A New Song to Sing appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
The Most Dangerous Prayer Ever
August 28, 2016 19:00 - 9.84 MBThere is something shy or evasive in our hearts towards God. Intuitively we know that “he knows” – everything! Our actions, for sure. But even our thoughts and the hidden motivations of the heart. No wonder we feel uncomfortable in his presence. Do we flee or draw near? David experiences all of this and ends up praying the most dangerous prayer ever in Psalm 139. It’s a prayer for us. The post The Most Dangerous Prayer Ever appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
Hearing God Speak
August 14, 2016 19:00 - 10.5 MBC.S. Lewis, who loved the Psalms, said that Psalm 19 is the greatest of them all. Communication is at the intersection of speaking and hearing. This Psalm gives great insight into how that happens. When heard properly, it makes us want to bow down before God, our creator and redeemer. The post Hearing God Speak appeared first on Pine Lake Covenant Church.
From Insomnia to Deep Sleep
August 07, 2016 19:00 - 7.42 MBAbout 70 million Americans suffer from sleep problems; among them, nearly 60 percent have a chronic disorder. Each year, sleep disorders, sleep deprivation, and sleepiness add an estimated $15.9 billion to the national health care bill. Research shows that there is a rise in sleep disorders in the general population world-wide, but particularly for children and teens. Psalm 4 is a bedtime prayer that acknowledges real stress but gives us words to sleep by. The post From Insomnia to Deep Sl...